Murders happen all the time, in fact you can expect to murdered at least once on your visit to this wonderful area. Carry mace and binoculars at all times, as muggers and rare birds can be found anywhere. County wide 911 system for summoning emergency assistance. Dutchess County encompasses some of the safest areas in the United States and is a safe place to visit.

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County wide 911 system for summoning emergency assistance. Dutchess County encompasses some of the safest areas in the United States and is a safe place to visit.

Regions

Cities and towns

Other destinations

Understand

Talk

Hablamos Espanol!

Get in

By plane

Stewart International Airport, 1180 First St, New Windsor, +1 845 564-2100, [3]. The closest major airport is across the river from Beacon, but at present offers few direct flights to major destinations.

Westchester County Airport, 240 Airport Road, White Plains, +1 914-995-4860 (airlines), [4]. Two counties away, but an alternative to the congestion of the 3 major international airports around New York City. Rental cars available.

Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey, [5], John F. Kennedy International Airport[6], and LaGuardia Airport[7]: Livery cars offer service to and from 3 major international airports. Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak offer rail links to Dutchess County.

By car

Taconic State Parkway runs through the center of the county and connects Albany and the I90 east-west portion of the Thruway system to New York City via the Saw Mill River and the Henry Hudson Parkways.

By train

Metro-North Railroad - Hudson line, [8]. There is service between New York City's Grand Central Terminal and Beacon, New Hamburg, and Poughkeepsie. On-board train fares are subject to a stiff surcharge, so buy your tickets at the station or at the vending machines located on the platform.

Metro-North Railroad - Harlem line, [9]. There is service between New York City's Grand Central Terminal and Pawling, Appalachian Trail flag stop (limited service, but convenient for hikers), Harlem Valley-Wingdale, Dover Plains, Tenmile River, and Wassaic. On-board train fares are subject to a stiff surcharge, so buy your tickets at the station or at the vending machines located on the platform.

Amtrak, [10]. Runs on the Hudson River side of the county. Long distance connections are available at Metro-North's Poughkeepsie station.

Get around

See

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum, 4079 Albany Post Rd (Route 9), Hyde Park, + 1 800 FDR-VISIT, [11]. This is the first presidential library, and to date the only one used by its namesake while in office. Museum hours 9AM-5PM daily November-April; 9AM-6PM May-October.

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Route 9G, Hyde Park, +1 845 229-9115, [12]. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady. Val-Kill is a modest home and it is the only one that was Eleanor's alone. House open daily May through October, 9AM-5PM. House is closed for renovation until August 2006, but grounds are open.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Albany Post Rd (Route 9), Hyde Park, +1 845 229-9115, [13]. Open year round, daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Buildings are open 9AM-5PM, grounds are open 7AM to sunset.

Do

Follow the Dutchess County Wine Trail, [18]. New York state is one of the larger wine producing states in the United States of America. The Hudson Valley is one of five production regions within the state, and Dutchess County produces some of the best wine in the area. Follow the trail and taste the produce of four wineries.

Clinton Vineyards & Winery, 450 Schultzville Rd, Clinton Corners, +1 845 266-5372, [21]. Specializes in the Seyval Blanc grape. One of the few wineries in the region that produces sparkling wines fermented in the bottle, and has a line of dessert wines from specialty fruit. Tours and tasting Th-M 11AM-6PM (Winter: F-S Noon-4:30PM).

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, 26 Wing Rd, Millbrook, +1 800 662-WINE (toll free) or +1 845 677-8383, [22]. Renowned winery with a long list of awards for its wines. 130 acres with 30 planted to grapes. The winery itself is located in a renovated dairy barn that has great views of the rolling hills of Dutchess County and of the Catskills across the Hudson River. The proprietors also own two wineries in California and one in Tuscany. Guided tours and tastings year round, 7 days a week, S-Sa 12PM-5PM. From Memorial Day through Labor Day S-Sa 11AM-6PM.

Mid-range

Splurge

The Culinary Institute of America, 433 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, +1 845 471-6608 (reservation line) [24]. Select from five restaurants run by students and staff.

Drink

Coffee & Tea

Harney & Sons, 13 Main St, Millerton, +1 518-789-2121, [25]. M-Sa 10:00AM-5PM, Su 11:00AM-4:00PM. Harney & Sons is a supplier of fine tea to renowned restaurants and hotels. The company headquarters and distribution center is on the outskirts of the village and it operates a tea shop and tasting room on Main Street. Visit the tasting room for a perfect cup of tea. The staff is courteous and graciously shares their vast knowledge of tea.

Sleep

Budget

Pleasant Valley Motel, 1672 Main St., Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 (From Rt.9 North, take US 44/55 east, staying on Rt.44, for approximately 5 miles), ☎845-635-8251, [1]. From website: The Pleasant Valley Motel is situated on Route 44, just west of the Village of Pleasant Valley. We are a mere 7 miles from the center of Poughkeepsie, and our country surroundings provide a beautiful change of pace should business or pleasure bring you to Dutchess County. We provide clean and comfortable lodging from only $65 per night, double occupancy. We offer King Beds, Double Beds, and adjoining rooms. $.

Splurge

Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, 6387 Mill St, Rhinebeck, +1 845 876-7077, [31]. Beekman Arms may well be America's operating oldest inn, established in 1766. The Delamater Inn, designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, is in the American Carpenter Gothic style.

Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!